An intrepid group met at the Airfield to share cars – the
start of the walk was from a small space along the road so only room for 2 or 3
cars. We all managed to squeeze into 2
cars – so good to go. Off we set through windy lanes and found space to park –
phew! no one else was there. Out we all
jumped and headed on up to New Waste!
Those of you who remember will know that there used to be parking here
but a certain Landowner decided he didn’t want cars there ….. so hence the need
to fit into small spaces on the road,
Anyway, we passed the Water works and made it on to the open
Moors with wide views back down to Plymouth and the sea. At this point the rather cloudy and windy
weather decided to add a rain shower and water proofs were donned. And then, of course, it stopped! Heyho – on wards and upwards to the lonely
Hillson’s House perched on top of Stalldown Barrow. Who was Hillson? An abandoned child found out
on the Hill – hence his name? Did he
live there as a hermit or was he a clockmaker ….. who knows. However it made a good place to pause for a
cuppa with wonderful views and to contemplate the remote wild south Moor which
we rarely get to visit.
Across to the magnificent stone row – it may have originally
been longer, but still impressive. A
wander on then over somewhat tussocky ground – sorry! – to skirt Ranny Brook
head – yes it was a bit soggy in places – and pause to visit the lonely cist.
Passing through the bronze age settlement with numerous hut circle to head to
the Yealm.
Yes, I know it was my walk and therefore people assumed
there would be no water crossings – all I can say was that when we recced it
there was considerably less water and even I got across easily. Hmmm…..
not so this time. 3 waded across
an alleged ford – very wet feet. 1 tried
a crossing that led to slightly wet feet.
1 made it across safely and dryly.
1 “leapt like a gazelle” and also made it dry. And then there was 1 who went for the full
immersive option, oh dear!
After these adventures a stop for lunch, a nice view of the
Steps and a bit of a dry off was called for.
Refreshed we headed on and down through the beautiful Dendles Waste and
Wood. Following the track and out onto
the road we then wended our way back and steeply up (sorry about that Brenda!)
to the waiting cars.
In the end the weather was good walking weather – sunny
intervals, a bit of breeze and only the one or two light showers. Oh yes, and not a single longhouse!
Jane